Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In a May 20th memorandum, Gov. Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga made the “recess appointment” of Sen. Togiola T.A. Tulafono as a member to the Territorial Bank of American Samoa board of directors.

“His years of experience in public and private sectors make him ideally suited to help the bank fulfill its mission of providing the residents of American Samoa with deposit, lending, and investment opportunities as well as to assist in the promotion of commerce and industry,” said Lemanu about the former governor.

As the Legislature is not currently in session, Lemanu said this is a recess appointment, which will expire at the conclusion of the next regular or special session of the Legislature. And that the governor will submit Togiola’s name for confirmation by the House and Senate.

Lawmakers return in July for the second regular session of the 37th Legislature.

A provision of local law allows a governor to make “recess appointments” — when the Fono is not in session — to fill vacancies caused by death, resignation, or removal of cause if the vacancy occurs while the Legislature is not in session. Recess appointments shall expire at the conclusion of the next following regular or special session of the Legislature.